Working Days and Rights of Workers in France

France is known for its strong labor laws that protect employees and ensure a healthy work-life balance. If you are planning to work in France, it’s important to understand the standard working days, working hours, and employee rights under French labor law.

Standard Working Days in France

In France, the typical working week runs from Monday to Friday, making it 5 working days. However, some industries such as retail, hospitality, and healthcare may require work on weekends.

Monday to Friday – Standard business days
Saturday – Often considered a working day for certain sectors
Sunday – Generally a day off (with exceptions for specific jobs)

French law ensures that employees get adequate rest periods and weekly breaks, even in sectors with weekend shifts.

Legal Working Hours in France

The legal working time in France is 35 hours per week, introduced to promote work-life balance. However:

Employees can work up to 48 hours per week in exceptional cases.
Daily working hours cannot exceed 10 hours, except in special circumstances.
Overtime is regulated and must be compensated either with extra pay or time off.

Public Holidays in France

France has 11 public holidays each year. Some of the major ones include:

New Year’s Day – January 1
Labour Day – May 1
Bastille Day – July 14
Christmas Day – December 25

Public holidays are usually non-working days, and if you work on these days, you may be entitled to additional pay or compensatory leave.

Paid Leave and Vacation Rights

One of the highlights of French labor law is generous paid leave:

Minimum 5 weeks of paid annual leave for full-time employees.
Additional leave may be granted based on seniority or collective agreements.
Employees are also entitled to paid sick leave, subject to conditions.

Employee Rights in France

French labor laws protect employees with several rights:

Right to a Written Contract – Every employee must receive an employment contract.
Minimum Wage (SMIC) – Employees must be paid at least the legal minimum wage.
Protection Against Unfair Dismissal – Termination must follow strict procedures.
Equal Treatment – No discrimination based on gender, age, nationality, etc.

Rest Periods and Breaks

Employees must have at least 11 consecutive hours of daily rest.
24 consecutive hours of weekly rest, usually on Sunday.
A break of 20 minutes is mandatory after 6 consecutive hours of work.

Overtime Rules in France

Overtime pay in France is regulated:

First 8 extra hours (36–43 hours) → 25% increase in hourly wage.
Above 43 hours → 50% increase in hourly wage.

Employers can also offer compensatory rest time instead of extra pay.

Working in France comes with strong legal protections and benefits for employees. Understanding working days, working hours, and your rights will help you enjoy a fair and balanced work environment. Always check your employment contract and the applicable collective agreements for specific conditions.